Saudi prince in Islamabad to launch $100 million tech house project today

Saudi Prince Fahad bin Mansour speaks at the closing ceremony of Pakistan's largest tech conference, Future Fest 2023, on January 8, 2023. (Photo courtesy: ILSA Interactive)
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Updated 06 March 2023
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Saudi prince in Islamabad to launch $100 million tech house project today

  • Prince Fahad first announced the initiative at Pakistan’s largest tech conference in January 
  • His firm, ILSA Interactive, plans to create over 1,000 jobs, undertake $100 million projects 

ISLAMABAD: A Saudi tech company, owned by Prince Fahad bin Mansour Al-Saud, has announced it will launch a Saudi-Pakistan Tech House in Islamabad today, Monday, aiming to forge partnerships with information technology (IT) companies and enterprises in the South Asian country. 

The Saudi prince first announced the initiative in January at Future Fest 2023, the largest tech event in Pakistan. The tech house aims “to promote greater ease of doing business” between the two countries. 

Prince Fahad is the co-founder of ILSA Interactive, which was first established in 2009 by Pakistani entrepreneur Salman Nasir, with offices in Riyadh and Lahore. The firm is reflective of the determination of both Pakistani and Saudi leaders to further deepen an existing strategic relationship in all fields. 

“HRH Prince Fahad bin Mansour Al-Saud is visiting Pakistan to launch Saudi-Pakistan Tech House to enhance cooperation between the two countries in diverse technical fields,” the firm said in a statement. 




This photo published on December 8, 2019, shows the Saudi Prince Fahad bin Mansour Al-Saud addressing an audience at the Digital Next Summit. (Photo courtesy: @AbuDhabiDigital/Twitter)

“He has strategic plans to forge partnerships with IT companies, universities and big enterprises in Pakistan.” 

The launching ceremony is scheduled to be held in Islamabad on Monday, March 6, according to the Saudi tech firm. 

Addressing the closing ceremony of Future Fest 2023 in January, Prince Fahad had said his company planned to create more than 1,000 jobs in Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and other countries, and undertake 300 projects valued at $100 million. 

Future Fest 2023 saw leading entrepreneurs, startups, policymakers and investors partake from several countries around the world. 

A delegation of Saudi business leaders also attended the event and took part in keynote addresses, roundtable conferences and discussions on wide-ranging topics from the future business landscape to startups and their success. 


Pakistan U19 to open tri-series against Afghanistan on Saturday in Zimbabwe

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Pakistan U19 to open tri-series against Afghanistan on Saturday in Zimbabwe

  • Pakistan enter the tournament as U19 Asia Cup champions after beating India by 191 runs in Dubai
  • The tri-series is seen as key preparation for next month’s U19 World Cup in Zimbabwe and Namibia

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s under-19 cricket team will begin their tri-series campaign against Afghanistan on Saturday in Harare, using the tournament as a key preparation for next month’s ICC Men’s U19 World Cup co-hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.

Pakistan, the reigning ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup champions, are competing in the 50-over tri-series alongside Afghanistan and hosts Zimbabwe, with each team playing the others twice before the top two advance to the final on Jan. 6.

Pakistan won the eight-team Asia Cup in Dubai earlier this month, beating India by 191 runs in the final, and will play a minimum of four matches in the tri-series, starting at Harare Sports Club on Saturday.

“The Asia Cup was a good win for us and the players showed great morale and intensity,” Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf said, according to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “The tri-series is very important for the players and will help us find the right combinations ahead of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup.”

Pakistan will face Zimbabwe on Dec. 29 before meeting Afghanistan again on Jan. 2, followed by a second match against the hosts on Jan. 4. Matches will be played across venues in Harare, including Harare Sports Club, Prince Edward School and Sunrise Sports Club.

The tri-series is being seen as an important warm-up ahead of the U19 World Cup, which will be held from Jan. 15 to Feb. 6. Pakistan are placed in Group C and will play all their group-stage matches in Harare.

“The conditions here are similar and will be beneficial for our World Cup preparations,” Yousaf said. “Both teams in the tournament are strong and competitive and we respect every opposition as we look forward to a competitive event.”

Pakistan will open their World Cup campaign against England on Jan. 16, followed by matches against Scotland and Zimbabwe, with the Super Six stage beginning on Jan. 25 and the final scheduled for Feb. 6 at Harare Sports Club.